The three and four year old students in the special education class at Will Rogers Center have really got their hands full these days. These students are enjoying “Sensory Integration” indoor playground. This room offers multiple activities for the active preschoolers that build motor skills through climbing, swinging and sliding. In addition, unique tables are available which allow the students to play with water, sand, blocks or any item they can get their hands into.

“The sensory tables help allow the students to feel, pour, mix with water, whatever they want to do,” said Linda Askew, Special Education Preschool teacher. “Playing at the Sensory Integration tables helps the children to feel better within themselves, gain better control of themselves and their emotions and be ready to learn.”

“All of the activities available in the Sensory Integration Room help the children improve the development of their sensory systems,” added Jonell Douglas, school physical therapist, “this, in turn, improves their abilities to learn and participate in pre school activities.”

This new equipment was made available to the BPS students through grants from the Bartlesville Public School Foundation, Jane Phillips Society, Masonic Lodge #284, Bartlesville Schools Special Kids Fund and the Delta Zeta Sorority.

“We are so appreciative of the financial support we’ve received that has made this learning center possible for our students,” said Deanna Severson, speech pathologist. “It will be enjoyed by our students for years to come.”

Approximately 70 preschool students, including students enrolled in Will Rogers Head Start, access the learning center throughout the day.

It may look like just playing, but the tactile hands-on fun with pasta, water, sand or other objects is actually a learning experience for special education students. Thanks to generous community support, these students can experience numerous new "toys" which will aid in their learning.

Bartlesville Public Schools, Christina Hoskin, Community Relations Supervisor